Having a safe and lengthy retirement requires more that just being financially prepared. It also requires that retirees and pre-retirees consider the four keys to a safe retirement, which includes, not only financial preparedness but also health and wellness, mental attitude and the need to stay involved.

Most retirement books today deal primarily with the aspects of having enough money to retire. Certainly the foundation for retirement requires a focus on being financially prepared and having a game plan providing financial security and retirement income. It's the topic that brings the most questions from those retiring or in retirement and it's the first key for a safe retirement.

The reality of considering healthcare costs in retirement is now leading more people to evaluate not only their own healthcare plan but their own health as well. To me, it's common sense that a safe and long retirement not only depends on how much money I have but also on how healthy I am. Remember that old uncle who always said, "If you don't have your health, you have nothing"? Well, he was right.

So the second key covers the vital topic of ensuring that we keep our health and wellness in check. Although everyone's situation is different and the scientific landscape keeps changing and evolving, the reality is that we now know enough about what we need to do to monitor and improve our health. If you're still smoking and not exercising in your retirement, you obviously don't care about these matters but if you'd like to fully enjoy your retirement years, the reality is that eating right and exercising are just the basics that you need to be doing.

The Third Key focuses on your mental attitude. As we retire, we face a new period in our lives that can be what we've worked for and dreamed about.

It can also be a time when we lose friends and family. It becomes vital for us to keep our attitude in check. No one else can tell you how to think or how to feel but do you really want to be that grumpy old man or woman who acts like they've been beaten by life and they live their retirement full of regrets, anger, and loneliness. This is not a “safe retirement,” and before long not only will this impact the enjoyment of your retirement, but it will significantly impact the length of it as well.

Retirement should be your opportunity to explore who you are and how you want to live the rest of your life. For many this may be the first time that you've been able to do this and explore, really explore, who you are and what makes you happy.

So the fourth key is all about enjoying retirement. The way to do this is to get and stay involved. Retirement is a time to celebrate, a time to live and enjoy. The way to do that is to get involved with old friends and new friends. The opportunities are limitless and range from mission trips to Asia to simply playing bingo or bridge with friends.

I believe that only through the use of all of these four keys can you unlock the safe retirement that you've worked hard to enjoy!

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